Infographics

Infographic_960_print.jpg
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2010/sep10/09-16tedx.mspx
What is an infographic? According to PC Magazine, it is an umbrella term for illustrations and charts that instruct people, which otherwise would be difficult or impossible with only text. Infographics are used worldwide in every discipline from road maps and street signs to the many technical drawings in this encyclopedia.~PC Magazine

Infographics allow readers to...
  • quickly take in and understand complex data.
  • inform readers.
  • create interest and convince people to read articles similar to how good headlines and photos attract readers.


Here’s a basic “lesson plan” you could use for an infographic:
1. Select a subject where there’s a lot of information, or a hypothesis, like in science.

2. Collect information, reference materials, and collect links and make an interactive bibliography if possible.

3. Think how to make all of these facts and evidence tell a story. How can you show people how big a problem is? Can you find something to compare it to? Past numbers? Number of times the book would wrap around the world? How can you make this data create a picture in someone’s mind?

4. Illustrate your data. Find or draw pictures to make your point. You can use screen shots, photos from flickr, take your own pictures, whatever.

5. Present your infographic. It can be a poster, a glogster, a keynote/powerpoint presentation, a movie- you name it.






Sites
Cool Infographics
Kathy Schrock